I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.  FRANCES LEE (ROSS) BURGESS, 93, of Branchland, W.Va., departed this life on May 24, 2021 at the residence of her daughter and son-in-law, surrounded by her family.  She was born November 8, 1927 to the late Noah and Martha Ross.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Rev. Earl Burgess; two sons, Roger and Earl Jr.; seven brothers; and four sisters.

She is survived by her children, John (Linda), Nellie (Bernard), Jackie, and Linda; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; along with a host of relatives and friends.

Frances was a 1950 graduate of Wayne High School and received her teaching certificate from Marshall University.  She was an employee of Polykote Corp., and the co-owner of Burgess Arco, both in Cleveland.  Frances was also a member of Freedom Freewill Baptist Church, where she loved attending services, especially Sunday School.  She enjoyed word searches and cooking, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Lisa Rakes, NP, Amedisys Home Health, Leona Adkins, a very special nurse Sharon Cronin, and friends Jerry and Edie Pack.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 28, 2021 at Freedom Freewill Baptist Church, Kiahsville, W.Va., with Jack Marcum and Jerry Casteel officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elmwood Annex.  Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the church.  Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Tiller Funeral Home.